A search is continuing tonight for a young missing girl and her dad from Wales who are believed to be in the Republic of Ireland.

Earlier, North Wales Police sent out a release saying that they are "concerned" for five-year-old Molly Owens who is missing from the Holyhead area" in Wales.

Police added: "She is believed to be with her father, Brian George Owens.

"26-year-old Brian Owens was due to be sentenced at Caernarfon Magistrates Court yesterday (Friday, July 28th) but he failed to appear before the court. A warrant has been issued for his arrest."

Later this evening cops issued a statement saying that they believe the pair had made their way to Ireland and are in the company of a woman named Elaine Doutch.

North Wales Police said they had carried out "extensive enquiries" and "are in close contact with colleagues at the Garda".

Superintendent Jane Banham of North Wales Police said: “Our investigation is ongoing and we are still appealing for information from anybody who may have been in contact with Brian Owens to get in touch with us.

“From our enquiries we believe they are in the Republic of Ireland with a woman by the name of Elaine Doutch, and we are in close contact with our colleagues at the Garda who are assisting us.

“We just want to ensure that Molly is safe and well and are issuing a direct appeal for her to be returned home.”

Molly is described as having collar length blonde hair and blue eyes. She sometimes wears pink glasses.

It is now known that she was last seen wearing a dark blue coloured t-shirt with a light coloured pattern on the front, blue jeans and trainers. She is also believed to be carrying a toy similar to a teddy bear.

26-year-old Brian Owens is described as being 5ft 9” tall and of slim build.

He has short brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a white coloured top, dark coloured trousers and trainers and is carrying a blue jacket.